EVALUATION OF ANALGESIC AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITY OF METHANOLIC EXTRACT OF GUAZUMA ULMIFOLIA

Introduction: Guazuma ulmifolia (Sterculiaceae) is commonly used in folk medicine as a single drug remedy to treat various ailments like; skin diseases, headache, wounds, ulcers, asthma, kidney disease and malaria. However, the use of the herb for treatment of pain and inflammation has not been scientifically investigated. Objective: This study of 80% methanolic crude extract of the leaves of Guazuma ulmifolia was evaluated for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties using established animal models. Material and methods: Wister albino rats were randomly divided into four groups of six rats per group. The control group was orally given 2 ml/kg (p.o.) of distilled water. The positive control received standard drug (Diclofenac 10 mg//kg, Indomethacin 20 mg/kg). The rest of the groups were treated with 80% methanolic extract of Guazuma ulmifolia at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg. Animals were then subjected to tests using hot plate and tail-clip for analgesic activity, for anti-inflammatory activity carrageenan-induced paw edema test and histamine-induced paw edema test was used. Result and Discussion: Guazuma ulmifolia extract showed a dose-dependent significant reduction of pain in analgesia models (p<0.001) with 500 mg/kg dose producing the highest reduction. The extract significantly reduced carrageenan-induced inflammation in a dose-independent manner, in which the highest reduction of inflammation was observed at 500 mg/kg. Conclusion: The data collectively indicate that 80% methanolic extract of Guazuma ulmifolia leaves has potential analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities.